what's wrong with me?

Docklands, Melbourne
Australia
51.8° F (11° C)

I often have these moments when I cannot decide where to eat. It's not that I am indecisive, but I just don't feel like eating anything even though my stomach constantly informs me otherwise. It almost feels like a chore. I walk gudgingly toward my usual Korean place... but I stop in front of the entrance. I just couldn't bring myself to eat at that place again; the food is good... but I've just had it too often. I walk away from KIMCHI Tray and turn the corner on Elizabeth street. I see McDonald's. 'All right... Might as well...' I walk in and order a Big Mac Meal -- my usual stomach filler at McDonald's.

There are no seats available... except one. I sit down to stuff the meal down my throat. I have my iPod blasting to drown out the noise. All of a sudden, I sense that someone is talking to me. I turn to my left and see this person mouthing indecipherable words in my direction. I unplug my ear to hear what this stranger is saying...

"Are you just getting off from work?"

I can't believe what he was asking me. I have never seen this man in my life and he was asking me if I just got off work... It seems awfully personal to be asking a complete stranger. I feel my face forming a disgusted quizzical look. I couldn't help myself. "Yes...?" I say. Then I quickly plug my ear and turn around to resume appeasing the stomach. I'm thinking, 'psycho...'.

As I walk back toward my glass shack (which I am stuck with for the duration of my stay...) I keep regurgitating the awkward moment. Sure... the question seemed odd from a complete stranger... but why couldn't I be nicer? Why did my face have to contort into disgust...? What has happened to me that I cannot strike up a conversion with a complete stranger though unexpected it may be?